Surf Life Saving WA is urging the State Government to expand swimming programs for newly arrived immigrants.

The call to do more to promote subsidised swimming lessons to immigrants follows the drowning of Jenon Biwot, 13, from Africa.

Jenon died after being caught in a rip and swept out to sea off Claytons Beach, south of Mindarie Marina at the weekend.

He had spent most of his life in a refugee camp in Uganda and was not a strong swimmer.

Surf Life Saving WA's Chris Peck is urging the government to actively encourage immigrants to invest in teaching their children how to swim.

"We'd like it to be more widely advertised amongst specific demographics, so particularly new people coming into Australia, choosing to come here, they come from landlocked countries," he said.

Mr Peck says once they have learnt to swim, young children must be taught how to apply their skills in coastal conditions.

Royal Lifesaving WA's Greg Tate says there are some programs in place targeting at risk groups.

But, he says additional funding would allow the organisation to broaden the programs.

"Royal Life Saving WA has existing programs in place to target at risk groups and immigrants coming into the country but any extra funding would allow us to enhance the delivery and scope of those programs," he said.

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